British home and fashion retailer Laura Ashley announced that it has appointed IMG to exclusively license the brand in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, through consumer home, fashion, beauty and lifestyle products that reflect its illustrious heritage and the regions’ growing market trends.

Founded in 1953 in a flat in Pimlico, London by the husband and wife team of Bernard and Laura Ashley, the brand began with printed fabrics and headscarves. Today Laura Ashley is internationally renowned for fabrics, home furnishings, apparel and accessories all adorned by its signature designs, prints and patterns.

Increased purchasing power in China has led to the growth of the furniture market. Total sales of furniture manufacturing enterprises grew 10% year-on-year to more than $130 billion in 2017, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Home décor and furnishings will be the initial core focus for Laura Ashley’s entry into mainland China with future extensions into women’s apparel, fashion accessories and personal care – all product areas that the Laura Ashley brand has developed successfully over its history in the UK, Europe and the United States.

Sean Anglim, Chief Operating Officier of Laura Ashley, commented: “We are delighted to have appointed IMG on an exclusive basis to help us develop our brand presence in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. We look forward to working closely with IMG to build a strong and sustainable business in these territories over the years to come.”

Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing, IMG, added: “The Laura Ashley brand is loved around the world for its quintessentially English heritage and romantic floral designs. China has long been the furniture production capital of the world for export but now with urbanization and a growing middle class, expenditure in home furnishings and décor has become an increasing priority of the Chinese consumer. This is an ideal time for a brand like Laura Ashley to enter the market with its distinctive design aesthetic.”

About Laura Ashley Limited: Established in London in 1953, Laura Ashley is one of the world’s best-loved fashion and home furnishings brands. Currently, Laura Ashley offers our customers a complete lifestyle concept, though our home furnishings, fashion ranges and licensed collections. Laura Ashley has a portfolio of over 200 global stores and a growing presence in hotels and tearooms. For more information, visit www.lauraashley.com.

About IMG:IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global entertainment, sports and content company.

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